Mark speaks with editor Alvina Ling about her progression in the book publishing industry, the role of an editor, and taking risks to bring Jimmy Liao’s magical book, The Sound of Colors, to North America.

Today we stray from our beloved children’s books to invite you into the podcasting fold.

If you’re a podcaster — or a podcaster-to-be who is in need of a nudge — Kingston, Ontario is the place to be the weekend of June 22-24, 2007.

Podcasters Across Borders 2007, the second annual not-for-profit international podcasting extravaganza, will provide you with a full arsenal of podcasting how-tos — from audio production techniques to podcast promotion and podcasting in an educational setting — and a chance to spend a weekend with generous, talented, friendly members of the Canadian, American, Argentinian and British podcasting community.

PAB 2006 resulted in our “Just One More Book!” podcast. If 2007 is half as inspiring and half as much fun, it will be well worth the $75CDN.

How can I have lived this long and never noticed that two of a parrot’s toes are on backwards? This playful and original book about life as a parrot is as entertaining as it is educational. My view of parrots is forever changed!

The ability to offhandedly deflate a bully, with neither anamosity nor remorse, is my idea of heaven — and is high on my wishlist for my daughters. This snappily told story of unwavering self-worth and the power of cheerful assertion gives us hope — and lots of laughs.

Mark speaks with Susan Clow, president of In The Picture, an organization devoted to “Putting disabled children In The Picture“, about disablism, the organization’s10 guiding principles and the benefits and challenges of creating books which can be enjoyed by all children.

Author Joyce Dunbar, a volunteer with the In The Picture organization, has provided her thoughts on the importance of the organization:

“So many children’s books are about unconditional love: GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU is the best known example. But what about the children who need that reassurance more than most – but are simply not there, not visible, not even in the picture? This initiative is to make sure that they are there – not necessarily as the star of the show – but incidentally, as part of the human tapestry. Twenty years ago ethnic minorities were similarly disregarded. That is unthinkable now.”

“I’m deaf myself and so is my son, so this is of particular concern to me. (more…)

Hauntingly rich oil paintings and candid, thought provoking narrative tell a heartbreaking and historically significant tale that provides a glimpse of the tragedies that have shaped the Newfoundland character.

Told from the perspective of a caring school boy and brought to life by breezy, evocative illustrations, this uplifting story propels us from feelings of adoration and honour, through dread and embarrassment and, finally, to understanding and appreciation. Who says nice guys finish last?

Just One More Book! is a regular contributor to the online Children’s Literature Monthly Journal, The Edge of the Forest. This information-packed online resource includes book reviews, interviews, the latest news from the online children’s/YA literature community and much more.